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Indian Herb Dip

Serves 4 to 6 Dip vegetarian, Appetizers

Indian Herb Dip

Indian Herb Dip, a staple in many Indian home kitchens, is a dish that reflects the simplicity and warmth of family meals. Often prepared for casual gatherings or as a comforting accompaniment to an everyday meal, this dip embodies the art of cooking by feel — salt is judged by hand, and fat is used generously, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

The dip's creamy base of yogurt is enlivened by the fresh, vibrant notes of herbs and the subtle heat of garlic. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, it offers a luscious texture and a balanced flavor, making it an inviting addition to any shared table.

Ingredients

  • 400 gyogurt
  • herbs — chopped
  • 2 clovesgarlic
  • to finisholive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the base for the dip. Take 400 g of yogurt and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Ensure the yogurt is smooth and free of lumps by whisking it gently with a fork or a whisk. This will help in achieving a creamy texture for the dip.
  2. Next, prepare the herbs. Choose a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley, and wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel, then finely chop them. Add the chopped herbs to the yogurt, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
  3. Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add the minced garlic to the yogurt and herb mixture. The garlic should be finely minced to ensure it blends well into the dip, providing a subtle yet noticeable flavor without overpowering the herbs.
  4. Now, slowly incorporate the olive oil into the mixture. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the bowl while stirring continuously. This will help emulsify the dip, giving it a rich and smooth consistency. Continue adding the oil until you achieve a creamy texture that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Season the dip with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small pinch, stir, and taste the dip using a piece of bread. Adjust the salt as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will meld further as the dip rests.
  6. Allow the dip to rest briefly in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Serve the dip cool, drizzled with a little more olive oil on top for a finishing touch.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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